Bunch of Merchant Marine stuff

Article about: So, were Merchant Mariners given weapons? How did they defend themselves? I recall reading somewhere that their ships were crewed by the mariners, but defended by armed Navy personnel. As I

Re: Bunch of Merchant Marine stuff

by ObKrieger

Hi guys,

My great-grandfather was a merchant mariner during WWII and I have always wanted a uniform to display with his wartime portrait as kind of a tribute. I finally found one, and despite knowing next to nothing about this stuff I jumped on this whole set in auction. I would really appreciate some info on what I just bought!

First up is this jacket:

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Next we have this uniform set for, I think, a commander:

(Can anyone identify the ribbons?)

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Lastly, I bought this cap:

Thanks for your help guys!

My Grandfather: Captain Ottar Marius Andersen, was the Master of the SS Fort lee. I still have his Captains jacket--and his Ribbons and Mariners Medal. Ill see if I can get some of the stuff I have posted here? The only scan I have showing some of his stuff-will be posted upside down since i dont know how to correct that.

Through the excellent link posted, I found that a total of 25 men were killed on the SS Fort Lee on: Nov 2nd 1944. Some were crew--some were armed guard. I didnt know before--that his ship was the first November 44 loss.